Activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells in vitro by Thymax, a gross thymic extract.

Background: We have recently demonstrated that Thymax, a gross thymic extract, induces an apoptotic effect against human breast cancer cells. In this study, the ability of Thymax to activate human dendritic cells (DCs) and the DC-directed T-cell response was examined in an in vitro culture model of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Materials And Methods: The level of costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86) and T-cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Phenotypic correction of Age-associated functional decline in murine immune cells by Thymax, a thymic extract.

Background: We have recently demonstrated that Thymax, a gross thymic extract, induces the functional activity of human dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. In this study, the role of Thymax in phenotypic correction of age-associated functional decline in immune cells in mice was evaluated.

Materials And Methods: C57BL/6 mice (13 months old) were treated with Thymax orally (20% v/v) for 4 weeks.

Gross thymic extract, Thymax, induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells in vitro through the mitochondrial pathway.

Previous studies have shown that thymic extracts possess antitumor and antimetastatic properties, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. Therefore, in this study the ability of the gross thymic extract Thymax to induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) cells in vitro was evaluated. Tumor cells were cultured with different concentrations of Thymax for 24 h and the apoptotic response was assessed by propidium iodide and TUNEL assays.